Method and apparatus for image forming and optical writing device installed therein capable of reducing adhering dust

Abstract

A method and apparatus of image forming includes an optical writing device and an image carrier. The optical writing device includes a housing, a dustproof member, a light source, and a shield. The housing is provided with an opening. The dustproof member is light permeable and closes the opening. The light source is installed in the housing and irradiates the image carrier with a light beam through the dustproof member. The shield is movable between a first position to cover the dustproof member and a second position to uncover the dustproof member. The optical writing device also includes a cleaner attached to the shield and contact the dustproof member. The optical writing device also includes a driver for moving the shield. The optical writing device further includes a positioning mechanism for positioning the shield to the first position by using the driver.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to Japanese patent application No. JPAP2003-092818 filed on Mar., 28, 2003 in the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for image forming, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for image forming capable of reducing an amount of particles of toner and / or dust adhering onto a dustproof member in an image forming apparatus, and cleaning the adhering particles off the dustproof member with a simple configuration.[0004]2. Discussion of the Background[0005]There has been a growing demand for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, like an image forming apparatus or a digital copier, to generate a high-quality image at high speed, and to be space-saving and energy-efficient, as well. Consequently, a demand has also been rising for a high performance optical system ado...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a novel optical writing device and method that reduces the amount of toner or dusts adhering on a dustproof member, causing deterioration of an image to be generated, and cleans the toner or dusts on the dustproof member with a simple configuration. The optical writing device includes a housing, a dustproof member, a light source, and a shield. The shield is movable between a first position to cover the dustproof member and a second position to uncover the dustproof member. The device also includes a cleaner attached to the shield and contacting the dustproof member, a driver for moving the shield, and a positioning mechanism for positioning the shield to the first position while an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is inactive. The method includes storing the optical writing mechanism, closing the housing, emitting the light beam, and moving the shield. The technical effects of the invention include reducing the amount of toner or dusts adhering on the dustproof member, improving image quality, and simplifying the device and method.

Problems solved by technology

An optical writing device is susceptible to toner or dust to because of its characteristics.

The toner or dust adhering to the dustproof member may cause quality deterioration of the optical writing device.

This needs to be avoided as it may further lead undesirable deterioration of an image to be generated.

However, since the above techniques merely remove toner or dust adhering to the dustproof member, it gives no effect on an amount of the toner or dust.

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